Ultra Music Festival reports fewest arrests since 2012

Despite the unfortunate loss of a young life at Ultra Music Festival last weekend, Miami’s flagship event reported only 67 arrests this year, 33 of which involved drugs. 2016 marks the third consecutive year of decreased arrests and the fewest in Ultra’s history since 2012. Miami police Sgt. Freddie Cruz cites more strategic police placement and heightened communication with the community as the reasons for this year’s “good” numbers. The addition of an amnesty box and the implementation of staffers trekking through Bayfront Park also played a significant role in the reduced amount of arrests.

Though the 29 felony arrests spiked since last year’s 20, the total number of arrests has sharply decreased from 109 in 2013 and 84 in 2014. Last year saw a total of 76 arrests.

Ultra garnered around 170,000 attendees across its three days, drawing in the most fans in the festival’s history. Of those 170,000, Miami police claim that less than 20 people were transported to the hospital each day.